Lake watch. Politics.

Democratic Challenger Keeps Up With County Clerk's Fundraising

August 07, 1998|By Susan Kuczka, Tribune Staff Writer.

Campaign-disclosure reports show that Republican Lake County Clerk Willard Helander and her Democratic opponent, Linda Hess, are neck and neck in the fundraising derby for the November election. Hess, who held the clerk's post for 12 years before she voluntarily left to pursue other interests, had nearly matched the $25,000 Helander had on hand at the end of the reporting period that ended July 31.

Hess' success at fundraising is believed to be at least partly attributable to the fact that several Republicans are privately supporting the Democrat's bid, saying she represents happier days in the clerk's office.

Hess has outspent Helander. Hess has invested $22,000 in her comeback campaign so far, while Helander has funneled less than $9,000 into her re-election bid during the past six months.

Bad investment: If outgoing state Rep. Robert W. Churchill (R-Lake Villa) learned anything from his losing primary campaign for Illinois secretary of state, it may have been that there must be a better way to spend $497,083.79 during the first six months of 1998.

That's the amount of money Churchill put into his failed effort in the GOP primary against another Lake County resident, Al Salvi of Wauconda.

One of Churchill's most generous contributors, was Lake County Public Building Commission Chairman Esper Petersen , who chipped in nearly $20,000 worth of transportation costs.

Charitable contribution: Susan Garrett, the Democratic nominee for the 59th District House seat being vacated by state Rep. Corinne Wood (R-Lake Forest), has received a unique offer from a supporter.

For each mile Garrett walks while campaigning, the supporter will pay $1 to charity and $1 to Garrett's campaign in the lakefront district.

And this week Garrett made her first charitable donation to the Kids 1st Health Fair sponsored by the Lake County League of Women Voters and the Lake County Health Department.

"Kids 1st Health Fair is a very worthy program because it gives families an opportunity to have their children examined and immunized for free," said Garrett, who has collected $200 while visiting more than 2,000 homes.

"Since December, I have met hundreds of people and listened to their concerns," said Garrett, the former president of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff League of Women Voters. "Overall, citizens want strong educational programs, quality health care and safe communities. I am committed to working toward these goals."

Making the same commitment to serve 59th District residents is Lake Bluff attorney Christopher Stride, the GOP nominee.

Like Garrett, Stride is looking for voter support in the Republican-rich district in an attempt to succeed Wood, the Republican nominee for Illinois lieutenant governor.

Stumping for Paul: Lake County's Democratic Party bigwigs, including state Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills), Waukegan Mayor William F. Durkin and Lake County Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer, are hosting the Attorneys for Lynda Paul fundraiser on Aug. 17 at the Madison Avenue Restaurant in Waukegan.

Paul, a certified public accountant and a financial planner, is the Democratic nominee in the Lake County treasurer's race. She'll face Republican Robert Skidmore, a deputy in the treasurer's office, in the fall showdown to succeed longtime Treasurer Jack "Red" Anderson.